Introduction

The Queen's Guide award is the highest attainable award for members of Girlguiding. 

Although originally awarded to Guides it is now only attainable by members of the Senior Section (including Rangers, Young Leaders, and Leaders) aged between 16- 25.

It is a challenging programme comparable to the Queen’s Scout and higher than the Gold DofE Award. 

Since the creation of the award over 20,000 young women have gained the award.

The Queen and Girlguiding

Since the beginning of guiding, the Royal family have been connected with Girlguiding.

1910

From the inception of Girlguiding, The Royal Family has been integral to guiding.
Princess Louise, Duchess of Argyll became the first Royal Patron of the Girl Guides.

1920’s

In 1920, Princess Mary, The Princess Royal, became the President of the Girl Guide Association.
in 1921 Lady Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon (The Queen Mother) became the Girl Guides’ District Commissioner for Glamis and Eassie Parish. She worked closely with Princess Mary which led to her marriage to her brother Albert, the future King George VI.

1930’s-1940s

Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, first joined Guides in 1937 at the age of 11, when she became a member of the 1st Buckingham Palace Guides. Following Guides, she became a Sea Ranger. Her sister Princess Margaret was also a Brownie and Guide at this time.

1950’s

In 1953 Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II ascended to the throne. She became our patron in the same year.
In 1959 the 1st Buckingham Palace unit reopened, and Princess Anne became a Guide.

1960’s

Princess Margaret became the president of Girlguiding.

2000-Present Day

2003 - The Countess of Wessex became our President. Her daughter Lady Louise is a member of Girlguiding.
2022 - It was with deep sadness on the 8th of September, that we learnt of the passing of
our patron, Her Majesty, The Queen.

History of the Queen’s Guide Award

1945 
The idea was introduced in December 1945. The original plan was that the award should be given to First Class Guides under the age of 17. The recipient was assessed by character and ability. 

1946  
Permission was granted by Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, the (future) Queen Mother to introduce a new syllabus into the Guide Program called the Queen’s Guide Award for the Guide section.
(Girls 11 – 16). 
The badge was created by combining Her Majesty’s crown and the First Class Badge.   
 
1953  
The badge and award were amended to refer to HM Queen Elizabeth II.
The award continued to be available to Guide age members.  
 
1983  
From 1983, the award was no longer available to Guides. It became an award for Rangers and Young leaders.
At this time the Baden-Powell Award was created, as the highest award for Guides.  

2018  
The Guiding program was changed, and the BP Award was replaced by the Guide Gold Award. The Queen’s Guide continued to be the highest award in Guiding.  

2022  
Following the passing of our patron, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth. Girlguiding has stated that “The Queen's Guide Award will remain the same in name and in purpose, as a mark of respect and as a legacy to the Queen's relationship with Girlguiding.”